Drawing up a detailed sociographic and cartographic description on the basis of figures that are as up to date as possible and making these available to the cities and various stakeholders.

A monograph provides a synthesised and detailed summary of the main statistics on a city. The city is placed in relation to Flanders as a whole, the group of the thirteen central Flemish cities and in relation to a comparable city. The figures and statistics from various sources are summarised in a single legible document and the trends summarised in this are clarified with adapted graphs, explanations and synthesised descriptive statistics.

Monographs were drawn up for the 13 cities (Aalst, Antwerp, Bruges, Genk, Ghent, Hasselt, Kortrijk, Leuven, Mechelen, Ostend, Roeselare, Sint-Niklaas and Turnhout ). The urban monographs were designed in such a way that the cities can update them themselves at regular intervals. There is also a central data warehouse (data bank on the central server of the Government of Flanders) where all the figures are centralised and updated, and where interested parties can consult the up-to-date data.

The description of the position of a city is based on the point of view of the residents and users, using figures, statistics and indicators (usually objectively measurable environmental factors, sometimes also views, opinions and experiences). First, a selection was made of the available data in the Planning and Statistics division, supplemented with data from the departments of the Flemish Community or public institutions. These data are generic for all the monographs. Furthermore, relevant material which the city has itself is added.

Most of the series of figures that are included cover a period of ten years: 1991-2000. The data can be regularly updated.

Monographs were drawn up for the 13 cities. On the basis of the monograph the city can be placed in relation to Flanders as a whole, the group of the thirteen central Flemish cities and in relation to a city with a comparable profile.

All parties involved in urban policy, in particular the 13 cities can use the city monographs for policy preparation (drawing up environmental analyses, diagnostic memorandums, etc.) and following up policy (impact measurement, etc.).

Drawing up the monographs is based on the cooperation between the Urban policy unit (Home Affairs administration) and the Planning and Statistics administration of the Ministry of the Flemish Community. Where necessary, external research institutes have been used. The series of monographs is an initiative of the Government of Flanders and is offered to the cities involved.

Urban Policy Project - Ministry of the Flemish Community
Ms Linda Boudry, tel. +32 25534028

01/01/2002

case

Urban Policy > Urban environment

Land use